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Basal metabolic rate in children with a solid tumour
E den Broeder1, B Oeseburg, R J Lippens
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. edenbroeder@hotmail.com
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|July 31, 2001
Summary
Children with solid tumors have elevated basal metabolic rates (BMR) at diagnosis, impacting energy needs for nutritional support. BMR decreases during treatment, correlating with tumor response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Metabolic Research
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Children with solid tumors often require specialized nutritional support.
- Accurate estimation of energy expenditure is crucial for effective nutritional management in pediatric oncology patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate basal metabolic rate (BMR) levels and changes in children diagnosed with solid tumors.
- To determine if BMR alterations during treatment necessitate adjustments in energy requirements for nutritional support.
Main Methods:
- Observational study conducted at a tertiary care pediatric oncology center.
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) measured via indirect calorimetry in 13 children with solid tumors.
- BMR assessed at diagnosis and during treatment, compared against Schofield reference values.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited a higher BMR at diagnosis, with 44% classified as hypermetabolic.
- Mean BMR significantly increased at diagnosis (11.6%) but decreased during treatment (12.7%).
- A negative correlation was observed between changes in BMR and tumor response (P=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Children with solid tumors present with elevated BMR at diagnosis and potentially during early treatment phases.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring BMR for accurate energy requirement assessment in pediatric oncology.
- Dynamic BMR changes during treatment may influence nutritional support strategies.